Parts of Lynchburg evacuate over possible dam failure

[TexasTowelie]

LYNCHBURG, Va. (AP) — Heavy rains have prompted authorities to evacuate parts of a central Virginia city in case a dam fails and floods the area.

A failure of the College Lake Dam near Lynchburg could flood the city with 17 feet (5 meters) of water in seven minutes, news outlets reported Thursday evening, citing statements from the National Weather Service. The service said county officials reported the dam's "imminent failure" at around 9:30 p.m.

The Lynchburg Water Resources Department says up to six inches (15 centimeters) of rain fell Thursday, causing College Lake to fill beyond its capacity. It said that up to 18 inches of water from the lake overflowed onto a road and into a nearby creek.

Lynchburg has a population of about 80,000.

Read more: https://lasvegassun.com/news/2018/aug/03/parts-of-virginia-city-evacuate-over-possible-dam-/

[Crutchez_CuiBono]

1. Climate change...

about to change some minds...and the landscape.
Buenos Suerte' y Via Con Dios.

[defacto7]

2. Isn't that where Pat Robertson's operation is?

[phylny]

4. Falwell's. Liberty University. n/t

[defacto7]

5. Ah... thanks.

[yonder]

3. I know, how about another tax cut for the wealthy? That should fix it.

No need to worry about peoples lives, science, planning, repairing failing dams and other infrastructure, or a potential planet-wide environmental disaster. Another tax cut or three should do the trick.

Insert sarcasm thingy here if necessary.

Yep, this snarky-ass comment is not helpful, but then neither are the folks running the show.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

6. Link to the Lynchburg News & Advance

UPDATE: College Lake dam considered stable at this time, but work continues, officials say
Staff report Aug 2, 2018 Updated 58 min ago

UPDATE, 12:25 p.m. Aug. 3: Engineering firm WileyWilson "is currently completing the conditions assessment of the College Lake Dam," according to an update sent shortly after noon Friday from Lynchburg Water Resources. ... The firm has found no seepage and the dam is considered stable at this hour.

"We are developing a plan to stabilize the dam which may include opening the sluice gate at the dam to reduce the water levels. Opening the sluice will not empty the lake completely as it is only a 3x3' culvert, but homeowners downstream may see slightly increased stream levels on Blackwater Creek. However, no significant flooding will result if this action is taken," according to the update. ... "Regarding lifting the evacuation, our main priority is ensuring that the dam is stabilized."

In the meantime, the city said Community Development is assessing buildings to ensure that they are safe to return to.
....

[TexasTowelie]

7. Thanks for the update from a local source.

I tried to find the article from a Virginia media source last night, but nothing appeared in my search.

I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope that the situation remains stable.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

8. De nada.

I know the names of most of the major Virginia newspapers, so it's easy for me to find them.